Whether you opt to decorate your office in the same style as the rest of your home or choose a totally different look (using a few simple home staging tactics), your home office should reflect your personality and interests, while being both functional and attractive.

There are plenty of personal touches you can add to make your office a fun, inviting and productive space.

Here are some to try:

• Paint the walls a color that makes you feel good and also enhances the space. Consider using fabric for curtains or decorative pillows.
• Match your office accessories to your décor by using similar colors, finishes and accessories.
• Cork boards, white boards and blackboards are perfect for posting reminders, calendars and motivational messages and an easy way to track important appointments and ‘to-do’ lists.
• Have a basket or container with crayons, paper and games on hand to keep children occupied while you finish work.
• If pets are a part of your life, designate a comfortable spot for them.
• Use flowers or green plants to create ambiance and add color to the room.
• Incorporate a table top or wall mounted fountain for the soothing sound of water.
• Hang artwork that you love and creatively display collectibles.
• Include personal photos or a favorite poster, or frame a child’s artwork and hang it on the wall.
• Add seating (space permitting) for visitors and for meetings.
• If you are working in a basement or room that is lacking architectural character, create interest by adding a colorful area rug.

Let there be light! If you are fortunate to have a window in your home office, try to place your desk facing the window. A view of the outside may seem like a distraction, but sunlight has been proven to increase brain activity and efficiency. If you have to situate your home office in an underused area of the house, consider investing a several light sources: ambient, multiple task lights and anti-glare fixtures for computer work.

Go into hiding. Any professional home stager or “home fluffer” will tell you to hide those cord wires, and plugs from computer, printer, lamps, fax, copy machine and answering machine. Home center stores sell devices that cover all those unsightly cords and match the décor too!

Storage solutions: An efficient workspace is not cluttered, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is not safe or visually appealing to maneuver around stacks of papers piled on the floor.

• Look for furnishings that serve dual functions like an armoire that can store files and house the media equipment at the same time.
• Stackable wire or wicker file baskets are good alternatives to boring, metal file cabinet, or consider painting old file cabinets a color that coordinates with the room.
• Think vertically by adding shelving, cabinets and bookcases over your work area to increase space and accessibility for frequently used items.
• Place all things that are essential to your work within easy reach of your office chair. Store less frequently used materials and equipment in a nearby location.

Comfort cues. Comfort is essential for doing a good job if you work at home.

• Make certain you have a comfortable office chair.
• Ensure your keyboard is at a comfortable height.
• Attach a headset to your office phone to free up your hands and avoid a stiff neck.

Putting your personal imprint on your home office sparks creativity, prevents you from feeling isolated and makes you feel comfortable. Remember, you’re the boss! You should have fun decorating your home office by implementing a few of the above home staging techniques.

About the Author:

Sandy Dixon
P.O. Box 2347
Evergreen, CO. 80437-2347

Sandy Dixon is a former Realtor® and sales, marketing and training executive. Sandy teaches people how to start, market and grow their own real estate staging and interior redesign businesses, also offering redesign/staging workshops for both existing business owners and those looking to start a new career. Visit her website at http://www.interiorarrangements.com  for information on her PR and marketing products as well as her training and mentoring programs.